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Access to data

The question of access to administrative databases for research purposes is extremely important for the development of research activities in Québec. In September 2015, as part of the general consultation on “government policy directions for a more transparent government, respectful of a person’s right to privacy and the protection of personal information”, the Chief Scientist and the three Fonds de recherche du Québec presented a brief to the Commission des institutions démocratiques du Québec. This brief highlighted the challenges of accessing data, including personal information, held by public bodies, for research purposes. It recalled the importance of scientific research in a knowledge society and in a more transparent government, and stressed the need to simplify the process for accessing data held by government departments and agencies for the purpose of scientific research.